Boshin War Crisis: Opening Brief
To All Delegates:
Welcome to the Boshin War Crisis Simulation. You have been called to navigate one of the most turbulent periods in Japan’s history. As key figures, advisors, and stakeholders, your decisions in the coming hours will determine the fate of an empire, the lives of its people, and the role Japan will play in a rapidly changing world.
The year is 1868. Japan stands at a crossroads between centuries-old traditions and the pressures of modernization driven by Western influence. The Tokugawa Shogunate, which has ruled Japan since 1603, faces a direct challenge from the imperial forces rallying under Emperor Meiji. The stakes are high—success for one side could mean unification and progress, while failure could plunge the nation into prolonged chaos and foreign domination.
Current Situation
Military Landscape:
The Boshin War has erupted. The first major confrontation at Toba-Fushimi has resulted in an initial victory for imperial forces, emboldening their coalition.
Tokugawa Yoshinobu has retreated to Edo (Tokyo), but his supporters remain active across Japan, particularly in Aizu and northern domains.
The imperial coalition, led by Saigo Takamori, is consolidating power and planning further offensives.
Foreign Involvement:
France has provided military advisors and training to the Tokugawa, favoring the shogunate as a stable ally in the region.
Britain, wary of France’s influence, is backing the imperial forces with technical and logistical support to promote modernization and free trade.
The United States maintains a neutral stance but seeks to expand trade opportunities and ensure Japan remains open to Western commerce.
Internal Pressures:
Merchants and business leaders are growing restless as the war disrupts trade routes and economic stability.
Peasant uprisings threaten to spread as dissatisfaction with heavy taxation and feudal policies grows.
Samurai are divided between those who cling to traditional roles and others who seek relevance in a modernizing Japan.
Your Objectives
Each delegate has a unique role to play in shaping the crisis. Your goals may align with your faction, or you may find opportunities to chart an independent path. Remember, alliances are fluid, and the future is unwritten.
Tokugawa Delegates: Defend the shogunate’s legacy, strategize for military recovery, and explore opportunities for reform or compromise.
Imperial Delegates: Strengthen imperial legitimacy, unify Japan under Emperor Meiji, and pursue modernization at all costs.
Foreign Advisors: Advocate for your nation’s interests while ensuring Japan remains a viable partner.
Neutral Stakeholders: Represent the interests of your constituency, whether business leaders, peasants, or cultural institutions, and seek stability.
Immediate Actions Required
Military Strategy:
Both factions must assess their military resources and plan their next moves. Delegates must decide whether to prioritize offense, defense, or diplomacy.
Diplomatic Negotiations:
Alliances will be crucial. Delegates should identify potential partners and assess foreign involvement.
Economic Stability:
Business and peasant representatives must voice their concerns and propose reforms to stabilize the economy amid the war.
Internal Unity:
Both the shogunate and imperial forces face internal dissent. Delegates must manage these divisions to maintain cohesion.
Ground Rules
Collaboration: While you represent specific roles, successful navigation of this crisis will require collaboration and strategic thinking across factions.
Adaptability: The crisis will evolve based on your decisions and unforeseen events. Be prepared to adjust your strategy.
Decision-Making: Each decision you make will have consequences—military, political, economic, and social. Weigh your options carefully.
Final Note
The fate of Japan lies in your hands. Will you preserve the traditions of the samurai and the Tokugawa, embrace a new era under imperial rule, or succumb to foreign domination? The choices you make today will echo through history.
Good luck.
Crisis Director Team
Tokugawa Yoshinobu, Supreme leader of the shogunate
Matsudaira Katamori, Loyal defender of Tokugawa interests and regional authority
Enomoto Takeaki, Leader of the shogunate’s naval forces
Katsu Kaishu, Diplomat and Naval Reformer of the Tokugawa Shogunate
Hijikata Toshizo, Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi
Otori Keisuke, General of the Tokugawa Shogunate
British Advisor, Diplomatic and Military Liaison of the United Kingdom
Saigo Takamori, Military Commander of the Imperial Coalition
Okubo Toshimichi, Political Strategist of the Imperial Coalition
Kido Takayoshi, Diplomat of the Imperial Coalition
Yamagata Aritomo, Military Reformer and Commander of the Imperial Coalition
Iwakura Tomomi, Imperial Court Representative
French Advisor, Tokugawa Shogunate (Primary Supporter)
American Advisor, Diplomatic and Economic Liaison of the United States
Business Representatives, Economic Stakeholders in Japan
Peasant Leader, Representative of Japan’s Peasantry
Samurai Traditionalist, Defender of the Samurai Class and Feudal Traditions
Modernized Mercenaries, Independent Military Force
Western Journalist, Observer and Reporter for Western Audiences
Buddhist Priest, Spiritual and Cultural Leader